The Dallas Cowboys are facing a new quarterback dilemma with Dak Prescott’s injury. Backup Cooper Rush was placed on the injury report Thursday. Yes, Rush is still expected to start on Monday against the Houston Texans.

But how did Rush, Prescott’s backup, end up on the injury report? NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed details on X, formerly known as Twitter. Rush is dealing with a significant neck issue. He left practice after sustaining a neck injury.

Pelissero further stated that Rush fully participated in practice despite the issue. With Prescott sidelined following hamstring surgery, many speculated whether it was time to turn to Trey Lance.

Cowboys ESPN reporter Todd Archer clarified Rush’s neck injury. Turns out Rush had been dealing with discomfort for a few days. Head coach Mike McCarthy explained that Rush “suffered a neck strain” after his first fumble in Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Archer also relayed a statement from Rush himself.

“Just a little neck issue, but we’re good to go. Feeling great now,” Rush said, according to Archer. The QB mentioned it only took a minute to recover from the strain.

Despite this, the neck injury sparked concern among Cowboys fans.

Will Rush be limited in his role for the Cowboys?

Rush’s injury is unlikely to keep him from playing. ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that Rush is still expected to start against the Texans, the leaders of the AFC South.

The seventh-year QB will need to bounce back quickly if Dallas believes the injury is a non-factor. Rush had a rough outing Sunday when he replaced Prescott.

Philadelphia’s defense stifled him, limiting him to just 45 passing yards on 13-of-23 passing. The Eagles sacked him once and forced two fumbles. Rush posted a disappointing quarterback rating (QBR) of 16.4.

Trey Lance later replaced him in the fourth quarter, but Lance wasn’t much better, finishing with only 21 passing yards as the Cowboys lost 34-6. The Eagles handed Dallas its third blowout loss at home this season, joining defeats to the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions.

Rush will now face Houston’s seventh-ranked pass rush, with the Texans recording 29 sacks, the most in the AFC South. Houston is also coming off a painful 26-23 loss to the Lions, where they blew a 16-point lead. The Texans are 7.5-point favorites to beat the Cowboys, who have dropped four straight and stand at 3-6 on the season.